Shakib ‘unlikely’ to play T20 series against Sri Lanka

Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan says there is little chance of him playing in the upcoming T20 series against Sri Lanka a day after the BCB announced the squad with Shakib as captain.

Shakib had been out due to a finger injury, but attended an event on Sunday as a representative for the Anti-Corruption Commission.

Shakib said it was not possible for him to return to the team at this time.

“I don’t know whether I have informed them officially, but I think I will be unable to play in the T20 series. The doctor says I will need at least another two weeks, which means I cannot play in the series. I will be better in two weeks, go through rehab, return to full practice and then be ready to play in the upcoming tri-nation T20 series against Sri Lanka.”

BCB Chief Selector Minhajul Abedin told bdnews24.com that he has not given up the hope that Shakib will be ready for the second match.

“We knew there was little chance of him playing in the first match. But we cannot leave him off the squad until we receive the doctor’s official report! We have yet to receive the report. We hope that even if he misses the first match, he will be ready for the second. But we should not take any risks. He will return once he is completely fit.”

Shakib received the interview last month in the final of the Tri-Nations ODI series against Sri Lanka. There had initially been hope that Shakib could return in time for the second Test, but it was not to be. His loss was deeply felt by the team, which lost the second Test and the series.

Shakib says he is frustrated that he is unable to return to the team, but believes Bangladesh will turn its fortunes around in the T20 matches.